The season may be short but it is oh so sweet, for the diminutive Seckel pear. Autumn is in full swing when I start to see these sweet little gems pop up. In a big bowl, on a platter, or just scattered about a table–their beautiful variation of colors & size make for a lovely reminder of the season.

Whether you can them, use in a tart, pickle them, creatively use in a cocktail, or just enjoy looking at the beauties in a silver bowl, the diminutive Seckel pear is in season and if you can get your hands on a few, do. Many vendors at the Hudson Framers Market had cases of the pears, I saw them on Saturday at the Market and yesterday the grocery store had a big basket of the pears–they are out & about in force. Intensely sweet, both in taste and to enjoy visually.

Seckel pears are one of the things I so associate the Holidays with. Seckels are tiny pears, with a chubby, round body, small neck, and short stem. Their skin is usually olive green, but frequently exhibits a dark maroon blush that sometimes covers the entire surface of the pear. For whatever reason, these speak of Holiday to me. Must have been an ornament or dish that was served in my childhood that makes me think this way. They are incredibly sweet tasting, so cut in half they work beautifully on a cheese platter. They also can be canned whole, so they look festive in a glass canning jar, all snuggled together. But what I really like them best for is display. I think they look so great just as they are set amongst a pair of candlesticks or individually running down the length of a dining table. Whether enjoyed visually or eaten, Seckel pears are just sweet. Pun intended…

Each word of the book is so lovingly spoken and your voice exudes such warmth and kindness. You are so genuine with your readers. And so interested in teaching them how to love… Love art…. Love nature… Love small things… Love friends… Love family… And love life.

— Haley from New York

Ted’s ‘Style & Simplicity’ is absolutely Lovely (with a capital L)! It’s also charming, fun to read, and full of wonderful advice.

— Newell Turner, Editor in Chief at House Beautiful

Ted Kennedy Watson has a most refined sense of aesthetics…and he shares some of his best secrets, for which I am so grateful!

— Lisa Birnbach, author of The Official Preppy Handbook

Ted, and his namesake fine good emporiums Watson Kennedy are legendary in this town. What he does brilliantly is quality over trend, substance over vapid style.

— Kaye Wellman, author Eat, Shop, Seattle

If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a stylized photo in a magazine this shop is a phenomenal fix for that as the merchandising is crazy delicious to feast your eyes upon.

— Uncle Beefy at thebedlamofbeefy.com

I feel like a kid in a candy shop every time I walk in the door.

— Apartment Therapy

I ordered ‘Style & Simplicity’ and it was delivered to my home in Hermanus, South Africa. What a delightful book and inspiration!

— Marlien on Facebook

The Seattle tastemaker behind Watson Kennedy: a personally curated store with the absolute best gifts, treasures, home goods, and hand-selected music.

— Town & Country

#genius #book @watsonkennedy #brilliant #perfect #gift

— Howard Slatkin on Instagram

Truly a visual feast for the eyes and palate.Thank you for sharing your abundance of “everything good”.We customers are transported to shopping heaven while in your store(s) and website.

— Blog reader Kris

We’ve long been fans of Seattle retailer Ted Kennedy Watson and his first title certainly lives up to it’s stylish name. The lavish A to Z guide is bursting with tips on how to create a cozy, chic and inviting home.